Man charged with locking kids in apartment, setting fire

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. – Authorities say a Florida man tried to kill his three children by locking them in an apartment and setting it on fire.

The Palm Beach Post reports that 22-year-old Velmando Williams remained in jail Tuesday, charged with arson, attempted homicide and kidnapping.

Riviera Beach police say Williams was arguing with the children's mother Friday when the fight turned physical. The woman threatened to call police, and authorities say Williams told her he was going to "burn her apartment down."

Police say Williams locked himself and the children inside, set fire to the couches and then escaped through a window.

Neighbors and firefighters rescued the children, who were treated at a hospital. The youngest is a month old.

Williams is being held without bond. Jail records didn't list an attorney.